24 DECEMBER 2025 By Chrissy Doern The Valley is bursting with festive events and family-friendly celebrations. If you’re looking for ways to embrace the magic of the season, here are just a few can’t-miss happenings taking place in December. Locations vary scottsdazzle.com Scottsdazzle’s 10th annual celebration offers a variety of festive events. On December 6, catch an outdoor screening of Home Alone at Starlight Movie Night, then stroll through Old Town on December 6, 13, and 20 during the Stroll & Shop for live music, music box ballerinas, treats, and a pop-up night market. Art lovers can explore the Gold Palette ArtWalk on December 11, while the Holly Jolly DIY Décor on December 13 invites guests to craft holiday ornaments to the soundtrack of live seasonal music. On December 14, the Marshall Way Bridge comes alive with a free holiday-themed dueling piano performance. There are also a few ticketed events: On December 13, kids can attend Pancakes & Pajamas with Santa, featuring breakfast on the bridge and a theater performance by Greasepaint, or join Chocolate Wonderland on the Waterfront to make their own chocolates. Families can participate in Sparkle & Spin Scavenger Hunts on December 14 and 20, while foodies can learn tamale-making with Los Olivos on December 14 during “Wrapped in Tradition.” End the season on December 21 with Dazzling Dish & Wintery Wine, an outdoor event led by James Beard Award-winning Chef Charleen Badman. Great Wolf Lodge 7333 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale greatwolf.com Holiday magic is in full swing at Great Wolf Lodge Arizona with its annual Snowland celebration running through January 6. Families can participate in festive crafts, holiday games, seasonal treats like a Peppermint White Chocolate Shake, and visits from Santa. Guests can also experience the wonder of indoor snowfall in the Grand Lobby, starting the day with the “‘Twas the Night Before Snowland” yoga session and ending it with a nightly celebration with live music, dancing and snow. Bitter & Twisted 1 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix bitterandtwistedaz.com Sippin’ Santa is back! This annual Tiki Christmas transforms the bar into a holiday wonderland, complete with kitschy décor, holiday palm trees, thousands of lights, and a playful tropical twist for guests 21 and over. Cocktails like the Sippin’ Santa, Great White Christmas, and non-alcoholic Designated Sledder will be served in festive glasses that are also available for purchase. Running through December 28, Sippin’ Santa offers a $15 Sippin’ Experience that lets guests skip the line, receive a secret Santa gift, and enjoy the seasonal tiki- inspired drinks at their leisure. Hilton Garden Inn 15 E. Monroe St., Phoenix miraclepopup.com For a cozy holiday escape, head to Miracle at Floor 13, also known as Ski Club, featuring crowd favorites like the Christmapolitan and the Snowball Old-Fashioned, plus new drinks like Candy Cane Lane and Miracle Mouse. The Grinch will be making a special appearance on December 12, 19, and 22 from 7-10 p.m. OdySea Aquarium 9500 E. Vía de Ventura, Scottsdale odyseaaquarium.com OdySea has been transformed into a charming Winter Waterland, running through January 4, with admission included with a regular ticket purchase. Guests are greeted by festive decorations and a Christmas-themed scavenger hunt for kids as they explore the aquarium, including “Voyager,” a rotating aquarium exhibit, where Santa narrates a journey through four aquatic habitats filled with sea lions, sharks, and other animals. Families can also experience “SeaTREK Santa” in the Deep Ocean Theater, where St. Nick magically appears underwater after a reading of The Night Before Fishmas . McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park 7301 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale therailroadpark.com Step into a world of wonder aboard the Paradise Pacific Railroad at McCormick- Stillman Railroad Park, where the annual holiday lights transform the park into a sparkling wonderland. Guests glide through tunnels of twinkling lights and displays while “snow” flakes drift from above, bringing a whimsical touch of Christmas to the Valley. The event runs from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. with four timed entry slots, and advanced reservations are required. JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort 5350 E. Marriott Dr., Phoenix jingleatjwdesertridge.com Jingle at JW is back until January 3. New attractions included in the Jingle Experience Pass invite guests to snow tube down real snow lanes and take a leisurely walk along the illuminated Lazy River Holiday Light Stroll at AquaRidge WaterPark. Returning favorites add even more fun, from gingerbread-themed bounce houses and a 147-foot obstacle course at Jingle Jump. There’s also ice skating under the desert sky, virtual skiing or snowboarding at the Arizona Snowbowl simulator, and the resort’s iconic gingerbread house display. Families can also capture holiday memories with gondola and Santa’s sleigh photo opportunities, visit the sugar chalet for seasonal sweets, or enjoy the Après Ski Pop-Up Bar with cocktails and mocktails. The celebration honors Hanukkah traditions from December 14-22 with nightly menorah lightings. Phoenix Zoo 455 N. Galvin Pkwy. phoenixzoo.org Ongoing until January 16, 2026, families will find four million twinkling lights and a music-in-motion light show. Check out the zoo’s Wildlife Lanterns, the Glow Garden, photo booths, hot cocoa, s’mores and snacks, and photos with Santa. Sensory- friendly nights are also available. Zoolights is open from 5:30-10:30 p.m. at General admission is $35. Santa Claus is coming to town (and so are holiday events) Scottsdazzle takes place throughout Old Town until December 31.
25 DECEMBER 2025 By Rachael Bouley What started as a small model train attraction has, after five decades, evolved into one of Scottsdale’s most well-known family-friendly destinations. As the Railroad Park celebrates 50 years, it unveiled all-new play areas and exciting plans for the holidays. The park began as part of the McCormick family ranch in the 1970s. Anne Stillman- McCormick and her husband Fowler McCormick (grandson of John Rockefeller, and both of McCormick Ranch history) donated the land to the City of Scottsdale with the vision of creating a public space everyone could enjoy. “Their son, Guy, was a lifelong train enthusiast who built a 15-inch-gauge model railroad called the Paradise & Pacific Railroad on the property,” said Alex Sanchez, Communications Supervisor with the City of Scottsdale. “His passion for trains and community spirit inspired him to partner with the city to develop a park centered around history and fun.” The park officially opened on October 4, 1975, and was later renamed to honor Stillman’s contribution. Over the past five decades, McCormick- Stillman has undergone significant changes, including the addition of the historic Scottsdale Charros carousel, the relocation of vintage train cars and depots, and the expansion of the Scottsdale Railroad Museum and model railroad building. It’s become a year-round gathering place with community traditions like free Sunday concerts and the park’s signature holiday lights display. “The Railroad Park is a place where history, imagination, and play all come together,” Sanchez said. “Families can hop aboard the Paradise & Pacific Railroad, spin on a classic carousel, explore full-size train cars, and enjoy shaded playgrounds and picnic areas.” In 2019, the park won the #ELGLKnope Best Park & Open Space competition, beating 30 others and earning a prestigious title in local government across the country. Kids get to enjoy the adventure as adults take in the nostalgia from years past, with free entry making it easily accessible. Although aging infrastructure has been a challenge over time, anniversary celebrations throughout the year have showcased major upgrades. Thousands of visitors came out for the Golden Jubilee in the fall, with family activities, entertainment, and a look back at the park’s history. “The celebration also introduced new amenities, including an upgraded playground, a train-themed space called The Roundhouse, and a new splash pad, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the park,” Sanchez said. The Roundhouse is a 10,000-square- foot train-themed indoor playground with a locomotive-shaped play structure and a multipurpose event room. The 5,000 square- foot splash pad was one of the most requested additions. The new entry plaza offers shaded seating, public art, new restrooms, lighting, landscaping and pathways for a welcoming arrival. The celebrations continued with the park’s annual Halloween Spook-Track-Ula event through October, before preparations began for the Holiday Lights event. Running through December 30, this annual tradiation transforms the train rides and grounds into a winter wonderland with displays and brightly- lit locomotives. “The park’s long-term vision is to remain a place where history, recreation, and community connection meet – ensuring generations can experience the same wonder and joy that have defined it for half a century,” Sanchez said. Closing out the year in style is the annual Noon Year’s Eve celebration on December 31, with a kid-friendly countdown, train rides, and live music. It’s all part of McCormick- Stillman’s ongoing commitment to families and visitors from near and far. therailroadpark.com McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park celebrates 50 years The park officially opened in 1975. (right) Members of the McCormick-Stillman family were gifted special plaques honoring the park. PHOTOS COURTESY OF MCCORMICK STILLMAN RAILROAD PARK